Artwork holder with multiple mountings

ABSTRACT

An artwork holder with multiple mountings includes a projecting threaded boss having a center axis and a diameter, a first bore through the center axis, and a slot through the diameter adapted to retain the line; a support base having a second bore that is aligned with the first bore; a threaded end cap that threads onto the threaded boss adapted to retain the line on the threaded boss, the end cap having a third bore that is aligned with the first and second bores; and an attachment mechanism adapted to mount the bracket on the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to holders, and more specifically, to an artwork holder with multiple mountings.

Typical art mounting methods using the same bracket allow only one or two mounting methods to the wall or glass.

As can be seen, there is a need for a holder for artwork with more than two mountings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a bracket for mounting on a surface and retaining a line includes: a projecting threaded boss having a center axis and a diameter, a first bore through the center axis, and a slot through the diameter adapted to retain the line; a support base having a second bore that is aligned with the first bore; a threaded end cap that threads onto the threaded boss adapted to retain the line on the threaded boss, the end cap having a third bore that is aligned with the first and second bores; and an attachment mechanism adapted to mount the bracket on the surface.

In another aspect of the present invention, a system for retaining an item utilizing a surface includes: a clip having a clip aperture, the clip adapted to retain the item; a line to pass through the clip aperture, the line having a first end and a second end; a first bracket having a first attachment mechanism to secure the first bracket to the surface, a first threaded projection with a first slot adapted to retain the first end of the line, and a first knob adapted to screw onto the first threaded projection and secure the line to the first threaded projection; and a second bracket having a second attachment mechanism to secure the second bracket to the surface, a second threaded projection with a second slot adapted to retain the second end of the line, and a second knob adapted to screw onto the second threaded projection and secure the line to the second threaded projection; wherein the first bracket and second bracket cooperate to attach the system to the surface and support the line so that the line retains the clip and the clip retains the item.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for retaining an item utilizing a surface, including: retaining the item with a clip; passing a line through an aperture of the clip; securing a first end of the line with a first bracket having a first threaded projection with a first slot to retain the first end of the line, and a first knob adapted to screw onto the first threaded projection and secure the line to the first threaded projection; securing a second end of the line with a second bracket having a second threaded projection with a second slot to retain the second end of the line, and a second knob adapted to screw onto the second threaded projection and secure the line to the second threaded projection; and mounting the first and second brackets to the surface; thereby retaining the item utilizing the surface

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment a system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts first and second embodiments of a bracket according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a third embodiment of a bracket according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a fourth embodiment of a bracket according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5 depicts a clip according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention generally displays artwork using two wall brackets, clips and a line to which the clips are fastened

An embodiment of the present invention may include four different mounting options using the same bracket. In an embodiment, brackets may be mounted to the wall or glass using suction cups, screws, screws into a drywall anchor or adhesive tape. Nylon line may be run between two brackets and secured with knobs. The line may be cut to length using scissors. Clips may be secured to the line through holes in the clips.

An embodiment of a mounting bracket may include three plastic parts: the base that attaches to the wall or glass, the tension knob that secures the nylon line, and the bracket cover, which is decorative. Embodiments of each art clip may include three parts: two halves and a spring. The line that the art clips attach to may be nylon. An embodiment may include equipment for four methods of attachment of the brackets, such as two #10×2 inch screws, two draw wall anchors, two adhesive pads and two suction cups.

In an embodiment, two brackets are attached to the wall or glass up to 10 ft across using one of four options: screw in to wall stud, screw in to drywall anchor, suction cup or adhesive foam tape. After brackets are attached art clips are threaded on to the nylon line through the spring assembly hole in the clip. The nylon line is then placed into a slot on each bracket and secured with a tension knob. The line is stretched between the two brackets and cut to length using scissors. A decorative bracket cover is then snapped over the bracket.

In an embodiment, the brackets are secured using adhesive foam tape, screw to stud (such as a wood stud), screw to drywall anchor or suction cup to provide a base for attachment of the nylon line with art clips attached. The clips allow lightweight artwork to be hung from each clip.

As depicted in FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention 10 includes a system for retaining an item 12 (such as a piece of art) utilizing a surface 14 (such as a wall, glass or drywall), including a clip 16 having an aperture 18, the clip adapted to retain the item 12, with a line 20 to pass through the clip aperture 18. The two ends of the line 20 are held by brackets 22, 24. The brackets 22, 24 cooperate to attach the system 10 to the surface 14 and support the line 20 so it retains the clip 16 and the clip 16 retains the item 12. Another embodiment includes a second clip 26 to help retain the item 12.

As depicted in FIG. 2, a first embodiment of a bracket 30 may include a base 32, cover 34, end cap 36, and screw 38. The screw 38 is adapted to attach to the stud or other solid member of a wall or other structure. A second embodiment of an attachment mechanism includes a drywall anchor 40, to (upon the user's election) attach the system to a section of drywall, plasterboard, siding or other wall (where there is no stud).

As depicted in FIG. 3, a third embodiment of a bracket 50 may include a base 52, end cap 54, and a suction cup 56 shaped like a mushroom head. This embodiment may (upon the user's election) install onto glass, metal, refrigerators, or other smooth surfaces.

As depicted in FIG. 4, a fourth embodiment of a bracket 60 includes a base 62, end cap 64, and an adhesive pad 66. This embodiment may (upon the user's election) be a tool-less assembly onto a clean or smooth surface.

As depicted in FIG. 5, an embodiment of a clip 16 has an aperture 18 for a line 20 to pass through. The clip 16 has a clip string 70, which applies an urging, torsion force to close the clip, and two plastic clip frames 72.

To make an embodiment, the wall mounting bracket, tension knob, decorative bracket cover and two halves or the art clips may be made from injection molded plastic. The spring that is attached to the art clips may be made from steel. The line that the art clips attach may be made from nylon.

To reconfigure an embodiment, the brackets may be attached to multiple surfaces using four attachment methods. They can be attached to glass, woodwork or smooth wall using the suction cups. Brackets can be attached to a smooth or rough surface using adhesive foam tape. Brackets can attach to a wall stud using a screw. Brackets can be attached to wallboard or drywall using a drywall anchor. An embodiment may include components for all four attachment methods with the product.

Embodiments may be used to display art, printed photography, paper, lightweight frames, lists and light weight curtains. Embodiments could be used as a drying device for photography, clothes or fruit.

An embodiment of the present invention includes an art holder system from which one can attach hanging pieces of art. It includes a pair of wall-mounted brackets with a line strung between the brackets. An embodiment provides multiple manners of attachment to a wall while maintaining a line attached to the bracket. The bracket may include a projecting threaded boss or tube that includes a bore or aperture through its center axis and a slot through the diameter of the threaded boss for retaining the line. The bracket also includes a support base with a second bore that is aligned with the first bore. A threaded end cap may be threaded onto the threaded boss for retaining the line onto the threaded boss. The end cap may also include a bore that is aligned with the first and second bores. In embodiments that include options for nailing, screwing, or anchoring a bracket onto a wall, the nail, screw or anchor may be passed through the bores and secured to the wall. Other embodiments may use a double-sided adhesive or a suction cup to stick the bracket support base to the wall.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A bracket for mounting on a surface and retaining a line, comprising: a projecting threaded boss having a center axis and a diameter, a first bore through the center axis, and a slot through the diameter adapted to retain the line; a support base having a second bore that is aligned with the first bore; a threaded end cap that threads onto the threaded boss adapted to retain the line on the threaded boss, the end cap having a third bore that is aligned with the first and second bores; and an attachment mechanism adapted to mount the bracket on the surface.
 2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is a suction cup, a screw, or an adhesive.
 3. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of attachment mechanisms including a suction cup, a screw, an adhesive tape, and a drywall anchor, thereby allowing the bracket to be mounted on a glass surface, a wall stud, and a drywall.
 4. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising: a cover to cover the boss, base, and end cap, the cover having an aperture to allow the line to pass out of the cover.
 5. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the threaded end cap threads onto the threaded boss adapted so as to apply tension to the line.
 6. A system for retaining an item utilizing a surface, comprising: a clip having a clip aperture, the clip adapted to retain the item; a line to pass through the clip aperture, the line having a first end and a second end; a first bracket having a first attachment mechanism to secure the first bracket to the surface, a first threaded projection with a first slot adapted to retain the first end of the line, and a first knob adapted to screw onto the first threaded projection and secure the line to the first threaded projection; and a second bracket having a second attachment mechanism to secure the second bracket to the surface, a second threaded projection with a second slot adapted to retain the second end of the line, and a second knob adapted to screw onto the second threaded projection and secure the line to the second threaded projection; wherein the first bracket and second bracket cooperate to attach the system to the surface and support the line so that the line retains the clip and the clip retains the item.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first knob screws onto the first threaded projection so as to apply tension to the line, and the second knob screws onto the second threaded projection so as to apply tension to the line, wherein the first bracket and second bracket cooperate to put tension on the line.
 8. The system of claim 6, further comprising: a first cover to cover the first threaded projection and the first knob, the first cover having a first cover aperture to allow the line to pass out of the first cover; and a second cover to cover the second threaded projection and the second knob, the second cover having a second cover aperture to allow the line to pass out of the second cover.
 9. A method for retaining an item utilizing a surface, including: retaining the item with a clip; passing a line through an aperture of the clip; securing a first end of the line with a first bracket having a first threaded projection with a first slot to retain the first end of the line, and a first knob adapted to screw onto the first threaded projection and secure the line to the first threaded projection; securing a second end of the line with a second bracket having a second threaded projection with a second slot to retain the second end of the line, and a second knob adapted to screw onto the second threaded projection and secure the line to the second threaded projection; and mounting the first and second brackets to the surface; thereby retaining the item utilizing the surface.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: providing a plurality of attachment mechanisms including a suction cup, a screw, an adhesive tape, and a drywall anchor, thereby allowing the first and second brackets to be mounted on a glass surface, a wall stud, and a drywall. 